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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #149 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 25432
• Released on: 2008-02-18
• Dimensions: 4.35 pounds
• Display size: 3
• Included Software: Yes

Features

• 12.3-megapixel captures enough detail for poster-size photo-quality prints
• 3.0-inch LiveView LCD display; new 51-point AF system
• In burst mode, shoots up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution
• EXPEED Image Processing System and similar Scene Recognition System to that found in the D3
• Self-cleaning sensor unit; magnesium alloy construction with rubber gaskets and seals

From the Manufacturer

Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.

Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.)

The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.

The D300 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options--Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus.

The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined, functional, and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy, and comfort.

The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.

The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

What's in the box
Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM

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Customer Reviews

Steep, rewarding learning curve
Great product. One issue which I find to be problematic is the indoor, low light metering, which takes shots that are frequently underexposed unless measures are taken to address the camera's metering decisions. This is an issue regardless of the metering method in use. Anybody else having this issue I wonder?

almost perfect, for now
The Nikon D300 was the camera that convinced me to complete my migration from Canon's EOS Digital system. My previous main body was a Canon EOS 20D. I liked that camera, but had become frustrated by its small rear display and lack of a sensor dust-removal system. I have a collection of manual focus Nikkor lenses from my film days, and I tested the Nikon waters a few years ago by purchasing a D40 to experiment with those lenses. Using the manual lenses on the D40 was less than satisfactory (no metering), but I did find myself turning to the D40 regularly over the following months. I preferred its treatment of highlights and noise to that of the Canon - the Nikon approach to image processing undoubtedly results in a more "film-like" result.

Anyway, back to the D300 - The display is gorgeous - HUGE compared to the Canon 20D. The image processing is superb: low noise until ISO 1600, but the noise that is there is not unpleasant (unlike the blotchy results I would get from the Canon at those speeds). The grip feels great in my hand. The viewfinder display is very usable. I don't find myself accidentally adjusting the exposure compensation as I often would on the Canon. Auto-bracketing: check. Matrix metering with AI-S lenses - Woo Hoo!

I could not be happier with this purchase. Great value.

Most Bang for the Buck
The Nikon D300 DSLR is one of the most feature rich cameras for it's price. The Nikon D300 is is a rugged camera with a magnesium alloy frame and a fair amount of weather/dust sealing. The ruggedness of this camera is apparent from the moment you first pick up to handle it. The controls and buttons are well placed and easy to use, and if you've used other Nikon DSLRs, you'll find the D300 controls quite familiar with few exceptions.

At 12.3MP from it's DX sensor, the Nikon D300 offers crisp accurate colors and sharp detail that can't be found in the lower priced consumer level cameras. The quality is especially noticeable in less than perfect shooting conditions such as poorly lit situations, where the auto-focus performance coupled with usable images up to the ISO 3200 range. That's not to say the D300 doesn't have noise at it's higher ISO settings, it does, but the noise levels are much more acceptable than past offerings such as the D200 or D100 Nikon DLSRs. The Nikon D300 can be pushed right up to ISO 6400 though the noise starts getting very ugly in this range, but it can make the difference in getting the shot or going home empty-handed.

With the Auto ISO feature, you can specify what ISO ranges you want the camera to work with, and what the slowest shutter speed is you want the camera to use before stepping up to a higher ISO level for you. This is especially helpful when photographing in fast-paced settings where you don't have time to fiddle with all the settings for a perfect exposure, the camera helps you get the shot faster, and gets you the proper exposure without dropping the shutter speed down into unacceptable ranges. I find this feature the most useful when shooting in aperture priority mode.

Many people find the Nikon D300 doesn't produce the eye-popping photos they expect right out of the box, but one needs to bear in mind that the D300 isn't a consumer level camera, and shouldn't be expected to perform as one. It's definitely worth the time to learn how to properly use all the features this camera has to offer. The images from the D300 are at their best once you set the camera up to your own personal shooting style, and learn some good processing techniques in photo-processing software such as the excellent Nikon Capture NX2 or equally impressive Adobe Lightroom programs.

The Multi-CAM 3500DX auto-focus system on the Nikon D300 is very impressive, and even in the lowest light settings, I've not had any problems with the D300 acquiring focus nearly instantaneously without having to resort to using the annoying focus-assist lamp which I keep turned off. The 51-point 3D focus tracking is especially impressive, and as to date it's been able to keep up with any demanding situation I've tasked it with such as indoor sporting events and night-time action photography.

I could go on and on about all the countless features of the Nikon D300, but you can read about them easily enough in the product feature list, or the multitude of reviews that are nothing but rehashed feature lists with little insight offered into the actual functionality of those features. Suffice it to say, of all the features the Nikon D300 puts on the table, they all work with a level of precision that won't leave you disappointed. Once you take the time to learn to use all the features this camera has to offer, and how they work together, there's hardly a shooting situation you wouldn't be able to handle with this gem of a DX sensored DSLR.